Thursday, August 29, 2002

MADISON - Margo D. Roberts, age 53, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Monday, Aug. 26, 2002. Margo was born in Madison on May 15, 1949, the daughter of Percy and Gretchen Kanvik. Margo married William L. Roberts in Middleton, in October 1991. She began her career at WMTV Channe15 and continued at WISC-TV Channel 3 until she retired following a stroke. Margo and Bill were enthusiasts of horse racing, including several annual trips to the Kentucky Derby. She loved traveling and Christmas with her family and many friends. She is survived by her sister, Kathy (David) Rosenow of Middleton; a niece, Daniellel (Kent) Lawson of Madison; a great-niece and great-nephew, Emily and Nicholas Lawson;and aunt and uncle, Elizabeth "Lib" and Arthur Schultheis of Madison; a brother-in-law, Tom Roberts- of Madison; and his daughters, Bonnie and Barbara. Margo; is also survived by a special cousin, Tad Kanvik and his family; and special friends Barb Swenson, Kathy Idsvoog, .and David and Suzy Sanks.Margo was preceded in death by her husband, , parents and several uncles and/ aunts. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2002, at 2 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, A visitation will be held on Friday from 12,:30 p.m. until' the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 29, 2001.

Note: Margo Kanvik Roberts' class year is based on information provide by Richard Sweet and Sidney Iwanter, members of the Class of 1967 Reunion Committee.

Wednesday, August 28, 2002

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Vernon Nels Swenson, age 85, died on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, Fitchburg. He was born on April 9, 1917, in Madison, the son of Nels and Catherine (Toellner) Swenson. Vernon is survived by his wife, Jean Carlson; children, Nels (Jill) Swenson of Oregon, and Mark Swenson and Karen (Lonny) Raymond, both of Madison; grandchildren, Ty, Kaylee and Statia Swenson, Travis, Jesse and Calvin Raymond, and Heather Swenson; Jean's children, Van (Julie) Carlson of Minnesota, Jan (Linda) Carlson of Washington, and Brian Carlson of Colorado; and Jean's grandchildren, Brent, Peter, Ryan, Heidi, Nick and Annette Carlson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Ann Zuehlke; and sisters, Lillian (Otto) Paskey and Mildred (Wally) Kearnes. Vernon graduated from Madison Central High School in 1936. He received his bachelor's degree from UW-Whitewater and his master's degree from New York University. Vernon was employed as business education department head from 1946 until 1954 at Sheboygan Vocational and Adult Education School. From 1954 until 1983, he served as chief supervisor at the state Office of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education. In that capacity, Vernon worked closely with district vocational schools and other state educational agencies. He was an honorary member of the Delta Pi Upsilon. Vernon is known as the "father of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) in Wisconsin" and received many DECA awards. He was active in sports and later a spectator. During World War II, Vernon received the Purple Heart and was currently a member of VFW Post No. 7541. There are a number of educational organizations with which he was identified, such as Vocational and Adult Education Association, Wisconsin Business and Distributive Education, National Adult Education Association, and, in retirement, the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. Vernon served as deacon and elder at Christ Presbyterian Church and later became a 50-year member of the church. Funeral services will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 944 E. Gorham St., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, with the Rev. John Thomas officiating. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 2002. Memorials may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church or the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association. Friends and family will remember Vern for his faith, his wisdom, his kindness, his joy of life, and his encouragement. Vern and his family are very grateful for the tender, compassionate, and thoughtful care provided by the entire staff at Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 28, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Monday, August 26, 2002

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Leo Owen McMahan, age 94, died on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at Meriter Health Care Center. He was born Aug. 26, 1907, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Michael and Phronia (Stapleton) McMahan. He was a graduate of Central High School. Leo worked for Coan Manufacturing for 12 years and later worked for the Ohio Medical Company, retiring in 1972. Survivors include a sister, Marie Shembab of Spartanburg, SC.; seven nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Michael and Joseph; and a sister, Kathryn. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 26, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Leo Owen McMahan, age 94, died on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at Meriter Health Care Center. He was born on Aug. 26, 1907, in Dodgeville, Wis., the son of Michael and Phronia (Stapleton) McMahan. He graduated from Central High School in 1925. Leo worked at various jobs including building maintenance, cooking, sheet metal, and finished his work career with 12 years at Coan Manufacturing and five years at Ohio Medical from where he retired in 1972. Leo served 3 1/2 years in the Army in World War II, including the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns. Survivors include a sister, Marie Shembab of Spartanburg, S.C.; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joseph and Michael; and a sister, Kathryn. Burial will be at a later date. The family expresses its deep appreciation to all the medical, therapy, and activities staffs of the Meriter Health Care Center; especially Cindy, Joan, Ellie, Michael, and Leo's favorite nurse, Terry.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 27, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Nicholas G. Galanos died peacefully at his home on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, in Madison after a nine-month battle with lung cancer. He was born on Sept. 15, 1931. A resident of Madison his entire life, he attended Madison Central High School and the University of Wisconsin. After graduating from the UW, Nick went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant junior grade aboard the U.S.S. Worcester. Nick was best known locally as the owner of the Badger Candy Kitchen, a family business on the Capitol Square since 1924. Nick was active in many organizations. He served as president of the local Naval ROTC Alumni Association and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison. Nick enjoyed fishing, reading, telling stories, and studying history, especially Naval. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, Dean; daughter, Rea; and sister, Mary, all of Madison. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, 11 N. Seventh St., Madison, with Father Joseph Tzougros officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Madison or HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. The family extends its thanks to all of Nick's caregivers and the HospiceCare organization. Cress Funeral Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 13, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Note: Nick Galanos' class year is based on information in the 1949 Tychoberahn, where his photograph is included among those of the graduating seniors.

Monday, August 12, 2002

MADISON [Wisconsin] - Ruth Evelyn Baker Schohl, age 90, died on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2002, at home. She was born on Oct. 15, 1911, in Madison, the daughter of Wilmont Rich Baker and Lucca Schott Baker. She was married in Chicago, to James J. Schohl of Chicago on Nov. 10, 1943. She was a 1928 graduate of Madison Central High School and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Education in June, 1932. Ruth was employed by the State of Wisconsin and worked for over 40 years in various state departments. Ruth worked for the Wisconsin Department of Taxation (now Revenue) from January 1933, until June 1945. She worked for the Chicago & North Western Railway for four years and after that was employed by the State Annuity and Investment Board and the Teachers Retirement System. Ruth was a secretary for various members of the Wisconsin State Legislature for 21 years, retiring in 1989. She attended and was a member of the Pilgrim Congregational Church (later known as Pilgrim United Church of Christ) from 1919 until its closure. Ruth is survived by her son, Wilmont (Jan) Schohl; and two granddaughters, Kristin and Jennifer Schohl. She is also survived by a great-granddaughter, Taylor Nicole. She was preceded in death by her husband. James on March 7, 1975; her mother on June 18, 1942; her father on Jan. 14, 1947; a son, William James "Skipper" Schohl who was two and a half years old when he died in Chicago on Jan. 21, 1948; her brothers, John, age nine months on Dec. 1, 1909; Robert J. Baker on Aug. 26, 1952; Philip J. (Pat) Baker on Aug. 17, 1992; and a sister, Dorothy Baker Koltes on March 23, 1992. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, with the Rev. David Michael of Lake Edge United Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. "I would like to go back o'er life's pathway And retrace every footstep I've trod, And remove the rough spots where I stumbled, And erase every vestige and clod. I would like to go back o'er life's journey And call back each harsh word that I've said, Recall every wrong deed or action That caused sorrow or tears to be shed. I would add many words left unspoken, And retract many words idly said, And heal every heart bruised or broken By replacing kind words in their stead. Then, when at the end of life's journey I'm asked my past story to tell, There'd be no rough spots on my pathway, No place where I stumbled or fell." Anonymous Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 12, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)

Sunday, August 11, 2002

Albert Dockery, the first African American to be enshrined in the Madison Sports Hall of Fame and a local civil rights activist, has died.

Dockery, 74, died July 30. There will be private services to remember him today.

An all-star athlete, most notably in football and track, during his time at Madison Central High School, Dockery went on to be an assistant track coach at UW-Madison and fight for civil rights with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, according to his cousin Addrena Matthews Squires.

Dockery was humble about his athletic achievement, she said, and in his later years liked to read to children and encourage them to get a college degree.

Dockery lived in Madison with his wife, Vera.

His family has created the UW Albert Dockery Memorial Fund, which will held support The People's Program at UW-Madison.

Checks can be sent to UW Foundation, Attn: Trent Jackson, 1848 University Ave., Madison, WI 53708.

Originally published as a news story in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 11, 2002

Tuesday, August 06, 2002

MIDDLETON [Wisconsin] - John P. "Jack" Fitzgerald passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2002. He was born to John M. Fitzgerald and Ida Dahl Fitzgerald on June 16, 1918. John graduated from Madison Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. He served his country in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, having been honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. He was united in marriage to Elaine Florence Ottum at Camp Forest, Tennessee on May 18, 1943. John continued as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve for 18 years after the war teaching in the U. S. Armed Forces Institute. John was a Registered State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer. He was employed by the Wisconsin Power and Light Company for 36 years as a radio and television specialist, retiring in 1984. He also owned and operated the Badger Safe Protector Company for many years. He was a member of the Zor Shrine, a lifetime member of the Hiram Masonic Lodge, F & AM #50, and a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church. John is survived by his loving wife, Florence; his sons, Kim (Kristine) of rural Waunakee, Jay of Middleton, and Todd of New Berlin, Wis.; seven grandchildren, Adam, Grant, Mark, Abby, Erica, Alex and Eric. The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the caring staff of Encore Living Village and Dr. Tom Hyzer who were very supportive over the last two years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's memory to the Shriner's Children Hospital, 2211 North Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707-3391. Funeral services will be private. Gunderson West Funeral Home 7435 University Ave., Middleton, 608-831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 6, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)